**Thank you, Netgalley and publisher, for giving me an electronic ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

Reading The Luminaries by Susan Dennard felt like a werewolf bit me and didnt let go, I was obessed and read it every spare moment. Culture runs thicker than blood. In Hemlock Falls there is a forest that holds monsters, or in the book they are more aptly named nightmares. Winnie and her family are outcasts until Winnie brings them back into society through her Hunter trials. At sixteen, they are thrown into the forest to kill a nightmare, Winnie does that too. But there is one thing that separates her from the rest of the victors. It's all a lie. There is something else, something that consumes the nightmares. Although there is one group of creatures in the forest that I completely love. And those are the ghost deer. Mentioned in multiple chapters but this one on chapter twenty-seven was my favorite "It is a ghost-deer— a ghost-doe actually, with two ghost-fawns beside her."

This was such a fun story and now I’m mad I have to wait for the next book!

Winnie’s family have been labeled as outcasts for ✨reasons✨ but Winnie is doing what she can to try and get back into the good graces of the Luminaries. To do so, Winnie must become a hunter. And not just any hunter… a hunter of nightmares.

This story has action, monsters, misfits, family bonds, friendship and more. It was a truly delightful story and I am looking forward to what comes next! Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced readers copy!

This book was absolutely incredible! Honestly one of the best I’ve read so far this year. The writing was impeccable. I could visualize the entire story as I was reading. You find yourself identifying with Winnie as she hopes to join the Luminaries despite being shunned by the community. You find yourself lost in this amazing world and you will not want to leave. Thank you NetGalley and Susan Dennard for letting me review this book and I can’t wait for book 2.

This is so good. I didn't like the author's previous work so I didn't have high expectations but this is really well written and engaging. Highly recommended for YA shelves.

"Death is a part of life in Hemlock Falls. It's part of life beside the forest. You lose your family, you lose your friends, you lose yourself. The sooner 'the children/ learn what the forest can do to them, the safer and happier they'll be."

Winnie Wednesday and her family are outcasts after her father betrays their society of Luminaries, hiding the fact that he is a Diana, or a mortal enemy of the Luminaries. Frustrated watching her family perform the lowliest of tasks and enduring poor treatment from almost everyone around her, Winnie decides that the only course forward is to attempt the first trial to become a hunter, a group of elites that risk their lives in the forest to protect the world around them. When the night arrives, things go awry, and the outcome is everything that Winnie could have dreamed of while also changing the course of her life irreparably.

"Culture runs thicker than blood."

What a cool concept! Dennard employs the use of nightmares created by a sleeping spirit, and I loved the detail in which each one was characterized. The usage of The Compendium was perfect for providing the information, and Winnie's experience as a corpse collector made her anatomical understanding believable. Furthermore, the vivid descriptions of the forest itself were atmospheric, offering a nice contrast to the urban world in which the Luminaries reside.

My main issue was the abrupt ending. Unlike a cliffhanger, it didn't feel like a natural stopping point. I was disappointed that the vast majority of the questions that came up throughout the novel were never answered prior to the conclusion. Even so, I found myself consistently thinking about THE LUMINARIES after finishing the book, and I know that I'll be picking up the sequel. Thank you, Tor Teen and NetGalley, for the early copy in exchange for an honest review. Be sure to check this one out when it hits the shelves in November, and let me know what you think!

A couple of random thoughts:
1. I would love to see a glossary dedicated to the various nightmares and the clans/their respective mottos.
2. The story about how this book came to be is fascinating, and I wish I would have been able to "play along"!

This was an intriguing plot, and I appreciated the execution though I felt like the world building needed a little more work.

This is the first book I have read by Dennard, and it definitely won't be the last.

The basis of this story is intriguing and was well executed. From the very start I was completely entranced by the concept of the nightmares and the trials required to become a 'hunter'. Winnie's character was relatable and left you sympathetic to her situation. Although the romance portion - if we can call it that really - was predictable, it did leave me wondering more about what will happen with this relationship. The only qualm I had with this book was the description of "teeth clicking" that was constantly used in conjunction with our MC.

Grateful that this will be a series, but wish I could read the next one immediately. I have so many questions regarding the storyline and where it is going, and so many theories on the questions that were left unanswered.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for the ARC of this eBook in exchange for my honest review.

Susan Dennard writes a haunting story about an unknown place called Hemlock Falls and its unlikely heroine Winnie. It is a fringe place whose inhabitants slay terrifying creatures coming from the forest mists: vampira, banshees, werewolves, harpies, etc. After she and her family are cast out from her clan for disloyalty, Winnie must endure terrifying feats in order to win back the approval of her people and prove that she is one of them.

  There were many thrilling and interesting components to the novel. I particularly liked the scenes from the forest where Winnie must use creativity and cunning to survive. I also liked that elements were shrouded in mystery that left the reader questioning, are the nightmares all bad? Who is Winnie’s dad? Are there other nefarious people/nightmares at work?
 
   There were a few parts that I didn’t love, the first being the weak and predictable romantic subplot. Not every book needs an angsty teen romance. In addition, while I recognize that this book is intended to be a series, I really dislike it when you are forced to read another book in order to solve the riddles in the preceding book. There is a fine line between leaving the reader wanting more because the plot is mystifying and leaving the reader frustrated because very few questions are answered.
 
Many thanks to Macmillan-Tor/Forge and Netgalley for this title in exchange for my honest review.

The luminaries by Susan Dennard takes a monster-fighter fantasy and gently interweaves a social and political commentary throughout. Although the main characters are 16 years old and the book is categorized as YA, I believe it will appeal to middle grade readers as well.

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊

The Luminaries reminded me of The Angelfall, which came out in 2015; I'm not sure why, perhaps because the concept is a YA fantasy, but I liked it. It just feels nostalgic; aside from that, it gives me a dystopian vibe, and the characters' last names are unique because they use the names of the days according to their community group. It depicts Hemlock Fall, a city plagued by monsters and nightmares.

The Luminaries are an ancient order tasked with guarding its citizens against monsters and nightmares. Winnie Wednesday, who wants to join the association, must face a series of trials dealing with monsters and nightmares that could endanger her life, especially when she discovers a new danger lurking in Hemlock Fall.

To be honest, I was completely unaware of what was going on, including the plot of this book, but about halfway through, I realized where the story was heading. Winnie's trial was riveting from start to finish. I loved it!

Super disappointed I didn't love this one... After loving the entire Witchlands series by Dennard, I really expected this one to be a new favorite book. And really, it was my expectations that let me down.

I went into this one expecting the same level of completely that the Witchlands have. I expected moving parts, worldbuilding, complex characters, and an impeccable romance. Instead I got something that was just ok. By itself, I would've really enjoyed it. But with my preconceived expectations, this was a letdown.

Part of the reason for that was the worldbuilding. It all felt so messy. This is urban fantasy, but the outside world is barely mentioned. We know one clan keeps word about this community from escaping, but how? Why? The concept was so strong, but the execution was so lacking. After seeing this described as atmospheric and bewitching, I really wanted more.

The other thing that really bugged me was the predictability. Every plot "twist" felt overrused. This read like every other cliche YA fantasy, with very little variation. And, even though some twists have yet to be revealed, I'm almost certain I have them right. (Not cocky, just seems to be the way this book is going)

Like other reviewers have said, this book ended in an odd spot. Not quite a cliffhanger, I'm not desperate for the next book. At the same time, this left off with no conclusion. It just ended. I expected another chapter, but I guess I must wait. I'll read the next book, but my expectations have been significantly lowered.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Part of me wishes I didn’t read this, just so I would have the opportunity to read it for the first time again. Absolutely AMAZING. Couldn’t put it down, I was glued to the story with an unnatural hold. Didn’t think my request would be approved, so thank you a million times over to NetGalley and the publishers!!!

I didn’t think I would get to read this early and I’m so glad I could!! It is SO freaking good!! I really loved getting more insights into the creatures and the dark foreboding forest. I have so many theories because there’s just a lot of things happening and a lot of things still coyly hidden away.

Our main character Winnie (and the rest of her fam) are shunned by no fault of their own. Despite the hate Winnie continues her plans to compete in the trials to be hunter. Winnie achieves her goal but not like she thought. There’s a mysteriously new and potentially more dangerous creature within the forest but no one in their society is taking it seriously. I really loved the world building and I’m so curious about other forests in other parts of the world.

I honestly forgot I was reading the first book in a series lol. It was a sharp reminder when it ended how amazing Dennard is at reeling you in. I can’t wait for the rest of the series and more ugh Jay. I have a desperate need to know all the things. Many thanks to Macmillan publishing for an early copy!!

Luminaries, by Susan Dennard, is a YA fantasy that you NEED to get your hands on!

I was completely hooked by the first sentence, and I didn't want to stop reading. It's so easy to fall in love with the Luminary world that Susan created, that I didn't want the story to end. I really hope that this is going to become a series, because there are so many unanswered questions that I have.

Definitely one for the personal library.

Beyond amazing! This book was an incredible read and I can't recommend it enough. This is a book you'll want on your shelf and to give as a gift. Everyone needs to read it.

4.5/5 stars
Recommended for people who like: fantasy, training schools, mystery, monsters, secret groups

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 6/15 and will be posted to my review blog and instagram on 6/16.

I forgot how much I love the 'secret pocket of society w/ intense training regimen' trop/setting. It's always fun to see the direction authors choose to go with their secret communities and there's a certain allure to the kind of physical strength and endurance that kind of training/school provides. It's been a while since I've read something with this trope/setting, so it was nice to get back into it with this book.

The forest, mist, and the monsters were an interesting, fairly unique concept. I liked the scenes with the various monsters in them, and the kind of fear and respect people seem to have for the woods. I did wonder, though, why the Luminaries don't just patrol the outside of the forest instead of risking their lives inside it. I also liked that there were hints of something other than 'pure monster' in the woods, and Winnie notes a couple of times the beauty or human elements to some of the creatures she comes across. I probably would've liked an explanation for the forest and monsters a bit earlier in the book, because I was going in thinking that Hemlock Falls was the only forest like this and then was confused by mentions of international Luminaries (and summarily decided the forest must be the same forest, just appearing in different places), but the explanation given clears all that up.

Winnie is desperate to rejoin the Luminary ranks and regain respect from the community. She's definitely tenacious and comes up with some pretty bold (and sometimes crazy) plans. Once she's set her mind to something, she's set it and is determined to make it known, regardless of who shoots her down. She has a bit of a 'do it myself' attitude, largely as a result of being cast out, and part of her arc is overcoming this and deciding that it's okay sometimes to lean on other people.

Bretta and Emma are two young Luminaries who are taking their trials at the same time Winnie is. Unlike the rest of the community, both girls are consistently nice to Winnie and her family, even when their exiles. They seem to be genuinely good people, and it comes across in the way they act. Fatima is a third, though her interactions with Winnie only start really happening about halfway through. The three of them together make a good group, and it's nice to see Winnie join it and finally get to let go of some of the loneliness she's felt. I like their cluster and hope we get to see more of them in the next book.

Jay is Winnie's best friend from before the exile, though he dropped her once the order came through. While he agrees to train her, and seems to want to be her friend, there's definitely tension there as Winnie has to reconcile the nice Jay with the one who ignored her. At the same time, I definitely think something's up with him that impacted him around the same time as Winnie's family's exile, and I do think that played into why he ignored her.

The characters do come across as kind of young, but that fits with their ages (most are 15-16) and I think actually plays into some of the things Winnie begins identifying as issues within the Luminary community.

Speaking of the issues in the community, I really really liked that Dennard addresses this in the book. Obviously people who are raised within a tightly knit community like this and are drilled on the concepts and beliefs from birth are unlikely to question those things without an outside motivator or event, but I do feel like in a lot of books with this same theme the MC either doesn't end up questioning or only questions surface-based things (looking at you Rose Hathaway). Winnie, on the other hand, does seem to begin deeply questioning the Luminaries. She still wants to be part of that community, which is understandable all things considered, but she does have moments where she's angry at them. She does have moments where she goes 'this isn't right and what they're doing isn't right,' and so I'm really interested to see how this plays into the things in the second book.

The book was kind of predictable, though since we don't get solid answers about a lot of the mysteries in this book, it's hard to tell if it's actually predictable or if it's just misdirection. I'm leaning toward the former, but am also open to the latter.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and thought it introduced an interesting world and community. I think the characters act appropriately for their age, and I absolutely adored the Winnie-Emma-Bretta-Fatima friend group! I read the OG Twitter thread after reading the book and think it's cool to see how much has changed and what threads of the choose-your-own story are still there.

The Luminaries was an amazing well written book and I loved it so much. With great characters and a story that had me hooked from the start this book will be a hit with all ages. I can’t wait to read another book by Susan Dennard!

This book was a little hard for me to get into. I don’t know if it was the mindset I was in or what, but it kind of fell flat for me after having high expectations.

The Luminaries by Susan Dennard is very creative, and just a whole new take on the contemporary Fantasy/YA genre.

I thought it was well-written, clever, creative and the pacing was extraordinary.

The magic is spectacular, purely brilliant.

This whole book keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what Eleanor is going to do next!

Amazing character development, well- thrown twists, lots of witchy magic, secrets, hiding a family darkness, this book includes all of those amazing qualities, storylines you'll absolutely love and enjoy!

I loved being lost in Hemlock Falls. It's a town unlike any other.
It's a dark, unknowing place where the forest here could be deadly!
Winnie & Jay's story captivated me and kept me glued to my Kindle.
Together, he and Winnie will discover a danger lurking in the forest no one in Hemlock Falls is prepared for.
Her characters show strength, determination, grit and heart!
Dennard's writing was phenomenal. Her writing style is truly riveting.

Gripping, immersive, and absolutely masterful, THE LUMINARIES reels you in and hold you captive till the amazing ending!
Can't express enough just how much I enjoyed reading this novel!

“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

Tor Teen,
Thank You for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

2/5 stars. To be released November 2022.

I've always enjoyed Susan Dennard's books, but this one missed the mark for me. What started out as thrilling and interesting switched to dull and predictable halfway through. A very unique concept, especially how this started as a 'choose your own adventure' story on Twitter, but the book itself just didn't keep my interest. It felt repetitive at times and the pages and pages without dialogue didn't do much for me.